Age Discrimination Solicitors

Legal difficulties with employees can arise suddenly and may result in many problems for an employer. The law in respect of employment matters can be complicated, so having the right legal support if such problems emerge is essential.

If an employee has accused you of discriminating against them because of their age, the employment solicitors at Wilford Smith can offer pragmatic and strategic advice to help you conduct the most robust defence possible. Whatever the nature of your business, we can take instruction from the earliest stage to help resolve matters fast, allowing you to focus on running your business. Contact our team today on 0808 168 5813 or complete our online enquiry form and we will be back in touch.
What is age discrimination?

Age discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unequally because of their age. This is either because they are a particular age or because they belong to a range of ages (for example, 40-60 years old or under 30).

All aspects of employment (or prospective employment) are protected from age discrimination, including:

Dismissal
Pay and benefits
Terms and conditions of employment
Promotions and transfers
Recruitment
Training

Which employees and workers are protected from age discrimination?

Age is a 'protected characteristic' under the Equality Act 2010 which means that all employees and workers of any age are protected from age discrimination including partners in firms, contract workers and anyone in vocational training.

Age discrimination protections don't just cover older workers. Employers are expected to afford equal treatment to younger employees as well, and age discrimination claims may also be brought by younger workers who feel they have been treated unfairly due to their age.
What is associative age discrimination?

While age discrimination can take place when an employee is treated less favourably because of their age, workers may also have grounds to claim if they are not afforded the same opportunities as others because of their association with someone of a particular age group. Such claims can often arise when an employee has caring responsibilities for an elderly family member.
Can age discrimination be justified?

Yes, employment law recognises that it is sometimes necessary for employers to directly or indirectly discriminate based on a worker's age. If you can show that your actions were a 'proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim', then you will be able to successfully demonstrate that the course of action you took was justified.
Contact our Age Discrimination Solicitors

We pride ourselves on our reputation for unique representation. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and our employment solicitors will take the time to meet with you and discuss your case in detail immediately. We understand that accusations of age discrimination can be extremely worrying for employers – such claims can lead to significant amounts of stress and risk damaging your professional reputation and that of your business as a whole.

Call Wilford Smith’s employment law team today on 0808 168 5813 or fill out our online enquiry form.